Best Cell Phones for Sale without Plans in 2022
With the rise of 5G wi-fi know-how, some cell telephones can now entry knowledge sooner and extra reliably than ever earlier than. But how will you understand in case your wi-fi supplier has a 5G community, limitless discuss time and texting, or different options you may want?
To enable you to evaluate mobile phone plans and prices, we’ve rated the Best Cell Phone Plans of 2021. Read on to find out about plans from high suppliers like Mint Mobile, Verizon, and T-Mobile with knowledge, discuss time, and texting choices to fulfill your wants.
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Our Best Cell Phone Plans Rating
#3 T-Mobile Magenta
#3 Google Fi Flexible
#3 Visible Unlimited
#6 T-Mobile Essentials
#6 Mint Mobile Unlimited
#8 Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited Prepaid (5 GB Hotspot)
#9 Google Fi Unlimited
#10 Tello Economy
Compare the Best Cell Phone Plans of 2022
Your mobile phone plan is as essential as your smartphone itself. An excellent plan will give you the texting, knowledge, and different options that be just right for you and suit your finances. See which top-rated mobile phone plans made our ranking for 2021.
Best Cell Phone Plans of 2022
| COMPANY | MONTHLY COST | PLAN TYPE | NETWORK TYPE | DATA | TALK TIME | TEXT | LEARN MORE | |
| Mint Mobile 4 GB »
|
$15 and Up | Prepaid (3, 6, & 12 Month Plans) | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Verizon Shared Data 5 GB »
|
$55 | Contract | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| T-Mobile Magenta »
|
$70 | Contract | 4G LTE, 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | See Review » | |
| Google Fi Flexible »
|
$20 +$10/GB | Prepaid | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Varies | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Visible Unlimited »
|
$40 | Prepaid | 4G LTE, 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » |
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model=”font-weight: 400;”>5G currently available only on compatible devices and in select locations. Some restrictions may apply. See our review for details.
Your mobile phone plan is simply as essential as your smartphone itself. An excellent plan is very similar to having gasoline in your automotive. The automotive could be a magnificence on the surface, however with out gasoline, it received’t run. We depend on mobile phone plans in the identical method. The greatest mobile phone plan for you’ll mix must-have options with options which can be much less essential however fit your life-style. See which top-rated mobile phone plans made our ranking for 2021.
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Best Cell Phone Plans in Detail
MONTHLY COST
$15 and Up
PLAN TYPE
Prepaid (3, 6, & 12 Month Plans)
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply.
Mint Mobile 4 GB: Mint Mobile’s 4 gigabyte (GB) plan is the Best Cell Phone Plan of 2021. With simple pay as you go plans accessible in increments of three, six, and 12 months, it ranks No. 1 in our Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2021 in addition to our ranking of the Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2021. Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s community.
MONTHLY COST
$55
PLAN TYPE
Contract
DATA
5 GB
Some restrictions might apply.
Verizon Shared Data 5 GB: Verizon’s Shared Data 5 GB plan begins at $65 and offers you 5 GB of high-speed knowledge and limitless knowledge at slower speeds. You can add 1 GB of high-speed knowledge for $15 monthly. A Verizon plan offers you entry to the most important community within the U.S. and dependable 4G protection. Although 5G offers the quickest connection, word that 5G service protection isn’t but widespread.
MONTHLY COST
$20 +$10/GB
PLAN TYPE
Prepaid
DATA
Varies
Some restrictions might apply
Google Fi Flexible: The Google Fi Flexible mobile phone plan locations No. 3 in our ranking of the Best Cell Phone Plans of 2021. The Flexible plan begins at $20 monthly, plus $10 per GB of knowledge used. The plan permits as much as 15 GB of high-speed knowledge utilization earlier than speeds decelerate. Once you attain the 15 GB threshold, you possibly can proceed utilizing high-speed knowledge at $10 per GB.
The plan does not require a contract, which makes it good for budget-conscious customers and people desirous to restrict charges or unused knowledge. If you’ve gotten a 5G suitable gadget, you will get 5G protection without spending a dime.
MONTHLY COST
$70
PLAN TYPE
Contract
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply
T-Mobile Magenta: The T-Mobile Magenta plan presents protection for as much as 5 strains and contains 100 GB of high-speed knowledge together with 5 GB to make use of as a cellular hotspot. The plan begins at $70 a month (with taxes and costs included) and has loads of elective add-on options like further hotspot knowledge, worldwide knowledge, and streaming services.
MONTHLY COST
$40
PLAN TYPE
Prepaid
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply
Visible Unlimited: Visible’s Unlimited plan is $40 per line monthly. If you construct a plan for not less than 4 folks, your per-line price drops to $25 monthly. The plan contains limitless speaking, texting, and knowledge, hotspot functionality with knowledge speeds of as much as 5 megabits per second, Wi-Fi calling (on a suitable gadget), and calls and texts to Canada and Mexico. Visible runs on Verizon’s community.
MONTHLY COST
$60
PLAN TYPE
Contract
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply
T-Mobile Essentials: T-Mobile Essentials mobile phone plan begins at $60 a month and offers you 50 GB of high-speed knowledge. You can cowl as much as six strains underneath this plan, which makes it interesting for households. A cellular hotspot comes with the plan and contains limitless knowledge at 3G speeds. You can have entry to T-Mobile’s 5G community, which is the most important within the nation.
MONTHLY COST
$30 and Up
PLAN TYPE
Prepaid (3, 6 & 12 Month Plans)
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply.
Mint Mobile Unlimited: Mint Mobile Unlimited is No. 6 within the Best Cell Phone plans of 2021 ranking. It begins at $30 monthly and offers you 35 GB of high-speed knowledge together with a cellular hotspot with 5 GB of knowledge. You’ll have entry to 4G LTE networks in addition to 5G networks in sure areas with a suitable gadget.
MONTHLY COST
$50
PLAN TYPE
Prepaid
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply.
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Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited Prepaid (5 GB Hotspot): This plan begins at $50 and offers you limitless high-speed knowledge, 5 GB of hotspot knowledge, and a Google One membership (which supplies you 100 GB of storage for photographs, movies, and recordsdata inside Google Workspace). The plan ranks No. 8 in our ranking of the Best Cell Phone Plans of 2021 and No. 5 in our Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2021 ranking.
MONTHLY COST
$70
PLAN TYPE
Prepaid
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply.
Google Fi Unlimited: Google Fi Unlimited begins at $70 monthly and is a extra strong plan than Google Fi Flexible. You can add as much as six strains, and prospects obtain protection on 4G LTE and 5G networks with suitable units. With the limitless plan, you may make free calls from the U.S. to greater than 50 international locations and territories.
A bonus function of the plan is that it comes with a Google One membership. This permits every particular person on the plan 100 GB of cloud storage.
MONTHLY COST
$10
PLAN TYPE
Prepaid
DATA
Unlimited
Some restrictions might apply.
Tello Economy: Economy is Tello’s base plan, which comes with 1 GB of high-speed knowledge, limitless speaking, and limitless texting. At $10 monthly, it’s the least costly plan to make our listing. There isn’t any contract or setup price, and for suitable cell telephones, the plan comes with free tethering of your cellphone as a cellular hotspot.
One key function is the power to restructure your plan at any time. Tello Economy has each 4G LTE and 5G mobile networks.
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What Data Plans Are Available on Cell Phone Plans?
Data Thresholds of the Best Cell Phone Plans
| COMPANY | DATA | DATA THRESHOLD | HOTSPOT | HOTSPOT THRESHOLD | LEARN MORE | |
| Mint Mobile 4 GB » | Unlimited | 4 GB / Month | From Monthly Data Allowance | Not Applicable | View Plans » | |
| Verizon Shared Data 5 GB » | 5 GB | Not Applicable | None | Not Applicable | View Plans » | |
| T-Mobile Magenta » | Unlimited | N/A (limitless knowledge) | Unlimited | 3 GB / Month | See Review » | |
| Google Fi Flexible » | Varies | 15 GB / Month | From Monthly Data Allowance | Not Applicable | View Plans » | |
| Visible Unlimited » | Unlimited | None | Unlimited | None | View Plans » |
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Studies present individuals are utilizing their cell telephones for every thing from household life, to work, to leisure. A report from market analysis agency App Annie discovered that cellular use, typically, skyrocketed in 2020. According to Lexi Sydow, App Annie’s senior market insights supervisor, “COVID-19 propelled mobile usage forward – achieving growth that would have otherwise taken two to three years.”
All cell phone plans in our ratings offer unlimited data. As generous as that may seem, there is a catch: data speeds often slow down after a certain point. You may get unlimited data, but only a certain amount may be high-speed data.
The average amount of high-speed data offered by the plans in our rating is 32 GB. When you use the allotted amount of high-speed data, your data speeds begin to slow, which is also known as throttling.
The more high-speed data you have access to for the cost of your plan, the further your money will go. Your data plan connects you to the internet when Wi-Fi isn’t available. Checking email, browsing the web, streaming videos, and playing online games all use different amounts of data.
If you consider plans with lower data allotments, you may want to find out how much it will cost to add more data during the month. For example, Tellomodel=”font-weight: 400;”> Economy’s $10 a month plan comes with the least amount of high-speed data among the plans in our rating at just 1 GB. As a result, this plan isn’t the best choice if you enjoy watching lots of shows or videos every month.
However, some plans (like T-Mobile’s Essentials planmodel=”font-weight: 400;”>) include unlimited standard-definition streaming that doesn’t take from your high-speed data, or simply come with more high-speed data that can accommodate your needs.
What Cell Phone Plan Add-ons Are Available?
Add-Ons of the Best Cell Phone Plans
| COMPANY | NO. OF LINES | ADD-ONS | VIDEO STREAMING | 5G COVERAGE | INCLUDED INTERNATIONAL SERVICES | LEARN MORE | |
| Mint Mobile 4 GB » | Up to 4 | None | Varies | 6,000+ Cities | Free Calling to Mexico & Canada | View Plans » | |
| Verizon Shared Data 5 GB » | Up to 10 | None | 720p | 2,700+ Cities | None | View Plans » | |
| T-Mobile Magenta » | Up to 5 | Netlifx Basic | 480p | 8,300+ Cities | Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data in Mexico & Canada, Data & Text Available in 210+ Countries | See Review » | |
| Google Fi Flexible » | Up to six | None | Varies | Varies | High-Speed Data, Unlimited Texts in 200+ Countries | View Plans » | |
| seen”>Visible Unlimited » | Up to 4 | None | 480p | 1,800+ Cities | Free Calling to Canada, Mexico, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico | View Plans » |
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model=”font-weight: 400;”>Most plans in our rating have various options, including high-speed data, mobile hotspot data, and streaming services. Although unlimited data is included in all the plans, most cell phone service providers offer additional high-speed data, charging by the GB. For example, Google Fi offers additional data for $10 per GB. This is a convenient way to pay only for the data you use.
App-based streaming elevated by greater than 40% in 2020, reported App Annie. Streaming servicesmodel=”font-weight: 400;”> are in high demand. For that reason, you’ll now find them as an option in many cell phone plans.
Some plans embrace the price of the streaming service, corresponding to T-Mobilemodel=”font-weight: 400;”> does with its Magenta plan, and allow you to increase the number of screens from which you can stream. Others, like model=”font-weight: 400;”>Verizon, provide reductions on streaming companies corresponding to Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN.
model=”font-weight: 400;”>If you frequently travel internationally, you may want to extend your service to your destination. Many wireless companies allow you to do this. For example, model=”font-weight: 400;”>Mint Mobile lets you purchase credits to use when you’re abroad. This helps keep you from racking up unexpected international roaming charges by paying as you go.
Some extras can help you stay secure while online or using your cell phone. T-Mobile offers Scam Shield, which helps block scam calls, for example. model=”font-weight: 400;”>Google Fi presents a digital non-public community (VPNmodel=”font-weight: 400;”>) for devices that have an Android 8.1 or higher operating system. A VPN helps hide your personal information from prying eyes on the internet.
Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2022
Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2022
| COMPANY | MONTHLY COST | NETWORK TYPE | DATA | HOTSPOT | TALK TIME | TEXT | LEARN MORE | |
| Mint Mobile 4 GB »
|
$15 and Up | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | From Monthly Data Allowance | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Google Fi Flexible »
|
$20 +$10/GB | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Varies | From Monthly Data Allowance | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| seen”>Visible Unlimited »
|
$40 | 4G LTE, 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited »
|
$30 and Up | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited Prepaid (5 GB Hotspot) » | $50 | 4G LTE, 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | See Review » |
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5G currently available only on compatible devices and in select locations. Some restrictions may apply. See our review for details.
Seven plans made our Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2021 listing, with Mint Mobile’s 4 GB planmodel=”font-weight: 400;”> ranking No. 1. Paying for service ahead of time is a great way to stick to a budget. According to model=”font-weight: 400;”>RescueTime, people check their phones on average about 58 times a day. If you’re not careful, this level of use can trigger data overages and other fees. Prepaid plans can keep your phone use in check by limiting your data access based on what you can afford.
Another advantage of prepaid plans is the ability to easily change your plan if it no longer suits your needs. Prepaid plans usually last for a fixed amount of time, don’t require a contract, and often don’t require a credit check. With most companies, the plan renews according to the schedule you pick, whether that’s monthly or every three, six, or 12 months.
Prepaid plans get you up and running quickly, and some of them have more flexibility than a typical monthly plan or contract. On the downside, most prepaid plans don’t include extra services that you get with a cell phone contract, such as discounts on streaming services. Still many prepaid plans in our ratings have unlimited data and come with extras. For instance, model=”font-weight: 400;”>Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited Prepaid 5 GB Hotspot plan includes a Google One membership with 100 GB of cloud storage.
Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022
Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022
| COMPANY | MONTHLY COST | NETWORK TYPE | DATA | TALK TIME | TEXT | LEARN MORE | |
| Mint Mobile 4 GB » | $15 and Up | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Google Fi Flexible » | $20 +$10/GB | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Varies | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited » | $30 and Up | 4G LTE, 5G Nationwide | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | View Plans » | |
| Tello Economy » | $10 | 4G LTE | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | advert.doubleclick.internet/ddm/clk/503442441;310528430;o”>View Plans » |
5G currently available only on compatible devices and in select locations. Some restrictions may apply. See our review for details.
Our listing of the Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022 model=”font-weight: 400;”> consists of prepaid plans only. Prepaid plans usually cost less per month than contract plans for a few reasons. First, prepaid plans typically offer fewer extras. Second, contract plans often include an agreement that covers a new device or cell phone.
Affordable cell phone plans don’t require a long payment term, and many let you bring your own device. If you’ve already paid off your cell phone and you’re looking for good service without a long-term commitment, maybe it’s time to consider a low-cost cell phone plan.
What Is a Cell Phone Plan?
A cell phone plan is a service that charges a monthly fee for a certain amount of talking minutes, texting, and data for activities like using social media apps and web surfing. The plans may come with the option of adding additional services such as more data, hotspot tethering, or streaming services.
How Does a Cell Phone Plan Work?
For a cell phone plan to work, you need to initiate service with a wireless phone company. After you select a company and choose a plan, the company provides access to its network and keeps up its end of the service agreement as long as you pay as agreed. If your plan includes talk time, texting capabilities, and access to high-speed data, you will be able to use the services and they will renew with your billing cycle, as long as you continue to make your payments.
Types of Cell Phone Plans
There are different types of cell phone plans such as prepaid, pay-as-you-go, and postpaid (most contract plans). Prepaid plans require you to purchase service for a certain amount of time, like each month, three months, or more.
Pay-as-you-go plans allow you to use the service and pay for it on an incremental basis like each month, or you can add talking time, texting, and data within the month.
Postpaid plans allow you to set up service with a provider and then receive a bill for the cost of what you used during the plan’s billing cycle.
What is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator?
A mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, is a small wireless provider that runs on a larger provider’s network. For example, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are considered large networks. They allow small companies like Mint Mobile, Visible, and Tello to use their cell towers to send customers’ phone signals.
MVNOs are popular because they offer affordable wireless plans and flexible billing options. Normally, there is no contract required to purchase a cell phone plan with these companies, thus saving time and money.
However, one potential downside to MVNOs is the deprioritization of high-speed data. That means customers of the large networks can be prioritized over MVNO customers during times of congestion or high traffic. In other words, MVNO customers might see their data speeds temporarily slow down.
Some companies even practice deprioritization between different plan tiers. In some cases, customers that pay for higher-cost plans may receive access to faster data transfer speeds than other customers, as well.
How Much Does a Cell Phone Plan Cost?
The average cost of cell phone plans in the Best Cell Phone Plans of 2021 rating is $43 per month. The average cost of a prepaid plan making our list is $35 a month, and the average cost of the Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans is just over $21 per month. Prices for all plans we reviewed range from $10 per month to $70 per month for a single line.
How to Choose the Right Cell Phone Plan for You
There are many cell service providers, and one provider may offer several plans. How do you determine the best plan for you? Here are some steps you can follow to get on the right track.
- Decide how many lines you need. There are different needs for a single cell phone line versus multiple lines. There are often benefits or discounts on plans for multiple lines that may not be offered under other plans.
- How will you use your device? Is it more for emergencies, or will you use it regularly? This will help determine what kind of data limits, talking time, texting, and other services you’ll likely want.
- How much can you afford to spend per month?
- Do you already have a phone, or will you need to purchase a new one? Several companies will assist you in transferring your phone or phone number, and there can be cost savings if you are willing to work with the phone you have.
- What discounts might you qualify for? Some cell phone service providers offer discounts to first responders, members of the military, and senior citizens.
- How reliable is the service? You want to choose a company that has an extensive and reliable network of towers. Reliability is especially important if you’re using the wireless plan for a hotspot or business calls.
- What type of wireless technology does the service use? Is it 3G, 4G LTE, or 5G networks, and is your cell phone compatible with it?
- Does the company have a trial period or a money-back guarantee?
- Do you travel internationally? If you are a frequent overseas traveler, look at what the company offers for international calls, texts, and data before you commit.
Note that companies like Mint Mobile, Visible, Metro by T-Mobile, and Tello function as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on other cellular networks such as T-Mobile or Verizon. MVNO customers may experience slowed data during high traffic times due to data prioritization. This can mean a cheaper plan but potentially slower data speeds from time to time, as T-Mobile and Verizon customers will be prioritized for high-speed data.
How to Buy a Cell Phone Plan
Some companies like Mint Mobile don’t have brick-and-mortar stores. To buy a cell phone plan from one of these companies, go to the company’s website or speak to a customer service representative on the phone. Other companies allow you to get the service in person if they have stores.
Keep in mind that different cell phone companies may have different compatibility requirements when it comes to your device working with the network of your choice. For example, if you want to set up new cell phone service and you’d like to bring your own phone, be sure to check for compatibility and that your phone is unlocked before starting a new cell phone plan.
An unlocked cell phone is a phone that is not linked to a contract with a specific cell phone carrier and can potentially be used with other carriers.
Which Cell Phone Plans Are Available in My Area?
Most carriers let you enter your deal with or zip code on their web sites to see if service is out there in your space. If there’s a brick-and-mortar retailer you possibly can ask in particular person, or you possibly can name the corporate’s buyer help line to search out out about service areas and availability.
Read more-How To Switch Cell Phone Carriers Without Fee
